Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Defence if he will confirm the percentage of poultry produce used in meals for army barracks that is of Irish origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53644/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The current contract for the provision of fresh poultry products to the Defence Forces was placed with Kildare Farm Foods, an Irish Company based in Kildare in May 2011 following an open tender competition. The contract value is in the region of €630,000 (ex VAT) over a two year period.

I am advised by the Defence Forces that 80% of all the poultry products provided by Kildare Farm Foods for the Defence Forces are sourced from Irish suppliers. The remainder is sourced by Kildare Farm Foods from European suppliers. The Defence Forces are satisfied that the poultry products from Kildare Farm Foods are fully certified in all respects and that the products meet the required Irish, English and EU specifications.

The Defence Forces are obliged to carry out the procurement of food products in an open and transparent manner and in line with National and EU Public Procurement Guidelines. The Defence Forces have absolutely no discretion in this regard.